THE CRUST - ISSUE #19

CEO

CHIEF EDITOR OVERVIEW

Greetings, dear readers, and welcome to the April edition of THE CRUST. As we reflect on the events of the past month, there’s much to discuss.

Last month our muslim friends started their yearly fasting season. This is especially felt in Indonesia, the largest Muslim-majority nation, as our friends embarked on their annual fasting season, observing a time of self-discipline and reflection leading up to the revered celebration of Ramadan. We extend our heartfelt wishes for a peaceful and fulfilling journey to all those observing this sacred tradition.

Turning our attention to global trade dynamics, we received preliminary findings in the Countervailing Duties (CVD) case concerning frozen shrimps exported to the United States. The results revealed a compelling narrative, with most countries implicated for allegedly receiving subsidies from their governments. Notably, Indonesia emerged unscathed from these allegations. However, we must remain vigilant and resilient as the case unfolds, especially amidst the looming threat of the other Anti-Dumping (AD) investigation.

This situation underscores the critical importance of diversifying market strategies beyond traditional channels. With nations worldwide increasingly vying to produce this coveted commodity, adapting to shifting supply and demand dynamics becomes imperative. As evidenced by recent market fluctuations, proactive measures to secure market access are essential amidst the evolving landscape of global trade.

Yet, amidst these challenges, we cannot ignore the tumultuous events unfolding on the world stage. From escalating tensions in the Middle East to the other continuing conflicts across the globe, concerns loom over the possibility of a larger-scale conflicts. In times of uncertainty, we extend our hopes for peace and safety to all.

As we navigate these dynamic times, let us remember that adaptation is key to resilience. The world is changing, and so should we. Together, let us embrace the opportunities for growth and transformation that lie ahead.

THE CRUST - RIZKY

Rizky Darmawan Chief Editor

2 Issue 19 | April -2024

Photo source : doc. The CRUST

M. Nugraha

Shrimp diseases continue to pose significant challenges in aquaculture. There’s a noticeable shift in the causes of these diseases, moving from primarily viral, such as WSSV and IMNV, to bacterial infections like AHPND and parasitic infestations like EHP. With the varied sources of these diseases, diverse approaches are required to address them effectively, with an emphasis on early warning systems as the most efficient preventive measure for shrimp health.

According to Daniel M. Nugraha from the Animal Health Service and Technical Improvement Shrimp Feed Division of PT. Central Proteina Prima Tbk, speaking at the East Meet West event held at Sambi Resort and Spa in Yogyakarta (29/2), the prevention remains a crucial step in controlling shrimp diseases. However, he highlighted the importance of skilled technicians acting as production captains in the ponds to support these prevention efforts.

EHP Prevention

Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) is one of the common diseases found in shrimp ponds in Indonesia. It causes growth retardation in shrimp, which can lead to high variability in size within a pond, ultimately resulting in feed inefficiency and cannibalism. Previously, researchers recommended suppressing the extrusion of the polar tube in EHP to reduce its pathogenicity, using chemicals such as KMnO4 during pond preparation.

A polar tube is a specialized structure found in all microsporidian species that enables these single-celled parasites to invade host cells.

However, recent trials and research indicate a paradigm shift in approaching the control of this disease. Daniel sug-

Prevention Strategies for

gested that instead of trying to prevent extrusion, which might the possibility of extrusion still high during cultivation, he prefers the reversed way by accelerating the extrusion process before production begins. He believes that a pH treatment above 7 could trigger the extrusion process.

He explained, “If our preparation is aimed at inhibiting EHP extrusion completely in hopes of reducing EHP harm, but then we conduct cultivation with a pH of 8.2 or 8.3, won’t extrusion still occur? It will. The choice lies in inhibiting at the beginning without considering the consequences.”

Therefore, he recommended speeding up the extrusion process during the water preparation, such as through a pH shock treatment using a limestone application. He believes that this pH level could effectively trigger EHP extrusion, and the method is more cost-effective and simpler compared to the KMnO4 application.

WFD Prevention

In addition to EHP, white feces disease (WFD) is also a trending shrimp disease. WFD is closely related to EHP and often develops as a follow-up disease after EHP. Through several cohabitation studies, Daniel found that shrimp infected with EHP, when kept with healthy shrimp, could infect the healthy ones within 3 days and exhibit white feces within 7-8 days. Based on these observations and research, he concluded that shrimp affected by WFD almost certainly also have EHP. However, having EHP does not necessarily mean a shrimp will also have WFD.

“During our observation from 2017 to 2019, we discovered that 47-

Current Shrimp Diseases

67 percent of shrimp exhibiting white feces were affected by EHP. This led us to conclude that shrimp with WFD are undoubtedly positive for EHP.”

Based on these findings, Daniel advised that shrimp farmers should be vigilant as EHP can serve as an early warning of WFD. Additionally, WFD can be recognized through physical and behavioral irregularities in shrimp, which can be detected during routine feed tray inspections. He stressed that these inspections should not only assess feed management but also monitor shrimp behavior for any signs of abnormalities.

“For example, there’s a change in the color of the intestine from dark brown to suddenly white. If we think, ‘Oh, it’s normal’, then we’re done. But if we find it unusual, then before anything escalates, we can take preventive measures by adding probiotics to the feed. So, assessing the feed tray isn’t only about whether the feed is consumed well or not, but also about observing their behavior and physiology.”

parahemolyticus in addressing AHPND. Instead, it is more relevant to take action by targeting TVC with a quorum sensing approach.

Since the concept of quorum sensing is challenging to measure, he suggested observing dysbiotic symptoms. In simple terms, dysbiosis refers to an imbalance of microbiome in the digestive system, including the intestines, hepatopancreas, or gut. Daniel mentioned that dysbiosis can be addressed by directly administering probiotics through feed to maintain the balance and health of the microbiome in these organs.

Daniel explained why giving probiotics directly through feed is better than through water. He noted that controlling Vibrio bacteria in water is difficult and can cause issues like plankton crashes when attacked by Bacillus bacteria. So, providing probiotics through feed is seen as a more effective approach. Probiotic bacteria in the feed can help maintain intestinal microbiome stability and prevent dysbiosis.

Although probiotics have the potential to help address shrimp health issues, excessive use can create new problems. The dominance of certain types of bacteria in the aquaculture environment can lead to potentially harmful imbalances. Therefore, the selection and use of probiotics need to be done wisely to avoid unwanted negative impacts.

THE CRUST - AB

AHPND Prevention

Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) is a bacterial disease that has evolved over the past decade. Since its initial emergence, initially referred to as EMS, AHPND has undergone updates based on research findings. It started with identifying Vibrio parahemolyticus as the cause, then more specifically V. parahemolyticus producing toxins Pir A and Pir B. Later, researchers updated that the bacteria producing these toxins were not actually V. parahemolyticus, but for instance, V. punensis. Therefore, as Danniel pointed out, it is no longer relevant to specifically target the development of V.

Farmers can also observe shrimp health status when checking the feed tray

FISH SCHOOL Chemistry Class PHOSPHATE

Monitoring phosphate levels is a crucial aspect of shrimp pond management. This parameter serves as a key indicator of the pond’s health and is particularly useful in estimating its carrying capacity. A rise in phosphate levels can signal the farm’s inability, be it in terms of system or infrastructure, to sustain the current biomass level.

Measuring phosphate levels in the water is a straightforward process. The main source of phosphate accumulation is the shrimp feeds used over the cycle. However, a sudden increase can also occur if the farm uses fertilizers, a common practice in farms focusing on plankton dominance. To measure the phos-

phate level, farmers can easily obtain a phosphate strip, apply it to a water sample, and interpret the corresponding chart.

High phosphate levels in pond water can lead to a host of issues. One of the most significant is the proliferation of detrimental plankton types such as dinoflagellates. As shown in the graph below (Example 1), an increase in phosphate level coincides with the emergence of dinos in the pond. This pattern is also evident in the other graph (Example 2), which presents a similar case. The data presented in this article are based on real data from our farm in Sumbawa, underscoring the seriousness of this issue.

There are a number of ways to reduce phosphate level in the pond:

1. Water Exchange

The easiest way to reduce phosphate is to dilute it with fresh water. This is the most direct and cheapest way to counter this problem. However, farmers must take precautions because bringing fresh water into the system can also pose some biosecurity risks.

2. Partial Harvest

The second way to reduce phosphate increase is to reduce the load on the pond. This means that farmers should remove some of the shrimp inside the pond, which will, in turn, reduce the amount of feed entering the pond. This can be repeated multiple times as the pond reaches its carrying capacity.

3. Phosphate Reducing Products

Many products offer a way to reduce phosphate levels. The two most common ways solution providers promote are by binding the phosphates using coagulants or using bacteria that can process phosphate. However, from our experience, we have not yet seen any products that are as effective as the other solutions.

Photo source :

doc.

DELTA

MARINE INDONESIA

Optimizing Site Selection: Integrating GIS and Bathymetry Approaches

Selecting the perfect site for shrimp farming is crucial for its prosperity. It’s not just about proximity to the seawater resource; other factors like coastline type, currents, and tides also play a pivotal role. Itang Hidayat, Head of Aquaculture Technology and Development (ATD) PT Suri Tani Pemuka (STP), compared building a shrimp pond to digging a well at home, emphasizing the need to maintain a safe distance of at least 10 meters from the septic tank to prevent contamination of the well water.

Referring to the FAO, Itang told the Young Indonesian Shrimp Farmers (PMI) at the East Meet West event, held at Sambi Resort and Spa in Yogyakarta (29/2), that for optimal shrimp farming, a distance of at least 10 kilometers from other farms is recommended in areas with slow currents and shallow waters. He explained that this calculation considers factors like sea carrying capacity, seawater direction, and the dilution of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic matter (TOM), nitrogen, phosphorus, total bacterial count (TBC), and total vibrio count (TVC). However, for premium locations like ocean coasts, a distance of 2 kilometers is deemed sufficient.

Utilizing GIS Technology

Itang explained that a Geographic Information System (GIS) compiles spatial information, which is valuable for identifying suitable locations in aquaculture, particularly for sustainable shrimp farming. Additionally, GIS can be a corrective tool for ponds facing production challenges. He clarified that the GIS data utilized focuses on biosecurity. “It involves determining the position of our ponds relative to other fishery facilities, such as ponds, and shrimp or fish hatcheries,” he explained.

Quoting again the FAO, he said that carrying capacity is defined as an ecosystem’s ability to assist surrounding life sustainably. Emphasizing its importance, he advocated for the use of GIS methods to observe and analyze it. The data that can be explored includes physical carrying capacity; focusing on bathymetry, currents, and temperature.

In terms of temperature, Itang clarified that this parameter, along with salinity, has a significant impact on Vibrio bacteria activity. He noted that some real-time monitoring systems utilize temperature and salinity measurements. Regarding bathymetry, it relates to seawater depth and direction, which apply to both intensive and traditional ponds.

Observable Data:

• Water availability

• Water access

• Water quality (including chlorophyll and primary productivity in the case of extractive species)

• Hydrography

• Hydrodynamics

• Inventory of aquaculture

• Site selection

• Zoning

• Water management

• Integrated coastal zone management

• Climate change

• Risk assessment

• Transboundary waterbodies/watersheds

Role of Bathymetry

According to Itang, bathymetry plays a crucial role in determining a pond’s carrying capacity. As mentioned above, he drew a simple analogy between a home well and its septic tank. Ideally, for biosecurity reasons, ponds should source seawater from depths of 10 to 20 meters below the sea surface. Itang believes that seawater at a depth of less than 5 meters has inadequate quality for farming.

The depth of less than 5 meters remain within the zone of aeration and natural oxidation, where natural waste processing from the mainland occurs. Depths exceeding

The ocean zones based on depth

Water quality parameters based on ocean depth

5 meters transition into the sedimentation zone, with cleanliness increasing with depth. Additionally, farmers also need to consider the presence of wave break and tidal zones, which also affect the effectiveness of water intake.

Itang added that each coastal area has different zone characteristics. For instance, in Sulawesi, it’s common to find the coast with ideal zones just 100 – 200 meters from the shore. Meanwhile, in Java and Bangka Belitung, the ideal zone depth can be reached 1 – 5 kilometers from the coast.

Additionally, Itang explained that in waters less than 5 meters deep, seawater quality typically exhibits TSS ranging from 50–100 ppm, COD from 50–100 ppm, and TVC from 10²–10³ CFU/ml. At depths of 10–15 meters, water quality is considered moderate with TSS of 20 – 50 ppm, COD 20 – 50 ppm, and TVC ranging from 10­10² CFU/ ml. It’s important to note that these measurements are usually found in areas facing the open sea. “Even though the bathymetry is 10–20 meters, if it’s in a bay, where the water is trapped, then those parameters don’t apply. So, even at depths of 10–20 meters, the TDS is still poor,” he added.

He also highlighted that at depths of 10–20 meters, the currents are stable, following the Earth’s rotation. Whereas in shallower zones, the currents are influenced by tides, west winds, and east winds. To easily monitor global current movements, Itang suggested farmers to access information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Adjusting Environtmental Conditions

Itang recommended that farmers facing less than ideal spatial conditions or already operating ponds in such areas should consider limiting the number of ponds. This is especially crucial in bays with flat coastline contours and weak currents, conditions often found in the waters of Bangka Belitung. The region’s geography, with Bangka Island primarily consisting of granite rocks with soil atop, results in a coastline typically extending up to 10 kilometers away from the actual coast. However, there are exceptions, such as Tanjung Hitam, where the island extends closer to the granite shore, making it a favorable location, as noted by Itang.

If so, farmers can improve the bathymetry of seawater intake points by drawing water from the ideal zone at depths of 10–20 meters. However, if this isn’t feasible, Itang recommended minimizing the number of intakes and avoiding placement too close to inshore and foreshore areas. According to him, intakes should be in offshore zones, outside the tidal area or wave break zone, and not in shallow water zones.

The location of the wave break zone varies depending on the area. For instance, on the southern coast of Java, it’s typically found 400–500 meters away from the shoreline. However, on the northern coast of Java (Pantura), it might be right at the shoreline. Farmers can use the tidal zone as a reference to determine intake placement. Ideally, intakes should be positioned approximately 100 meters behind the furthest low tide point from the shore. “So, if it can’t draw seawater during low tide, it means the intake point is incorrect, and con sequently, the farming will be misguided,” he emphasized.

Itang Hidayat

Photo source : doc. The CRUST, Itang Hidayat

Nusantara Shrimp Farmers Gathering 2024: Reviving Shrimp Farming Through Genetic Approach

Minapoli, with support from the Shrimp Club Indonesia (SCI), organized the 2024 Nusantara Shrimp Farmers Gathering on April 30th. Held at the Victory Ballroom in Ciputra World Surabaya, the event featured four expert speakers in genetics and shrimp diseases, who discussed strategies to mitigate the impacts of challenges facing Indonesian shrimp cultivation, particularly diseases leading to decreased production. The event attracted 200 attendees, primarily pond owners from across Indonesia.

Rully Setya Purnama, the Event Chair, mentioned in his speech, “We didn’t anticipate such strong enthusiasm from participants for today’s event, even during the fasting month of Ramadhan. It’s evident from the registration of about 220 people, with 70% of them being shrimp pond owners.

This event underscores Minapoli’s dedication to consistently supporting the growth of the Indonesian aquaculture industry, aligned with our tagline, Empowering Aquaculture.”

Bambang Nardianto, representing Prima Larvae, also delivered remarks, stating that current disease challenges are increasing while the environmental carrying capacity is decreasing. Nevertheless, he urges farmers to stay positive as there are ample growth opportunities, especially with support from every part of the supply chain and business network. A crucial factor is ensuring the availability of top-notch shrimp larvae. “The strength of each stakeholder is essential for reviving this industry, which is why Prima Larvae is dedicated to offering the highest quality larvae,” Bambang emphasized.

Critical Success Factors

Dr. Joao Rocha, the Geneticist of PrimaGen Indonesia, kicked off the first session by explaining the key to successful cultivation in Ecuador, which is their implementation of low stocking density, making shrimp less susceptible to diseases. Additionally, Ecuador also adopts the All Pathogen Exposed (APE) concept, enhancing shrimp’s tolerance to the environment and diseases.

Meanwhile, in Indonesia and other Asian countries, farmers tend to adopt high stocking density practices, making shrimp more vulnerable to environmental changes and diseases, despite using specific pathogen-free (SPF) larvae. This is exacerbated by inadequate biosecurity, making it easier for diseases like AHPND and EHP to outbreak and disrupt productivity.

“If Indonesian farmers are unwilling to reduce their high stocking density and classical genetics doesn’t solve the problem, let’s consider another approach called Epigenetics. This method has been under development for almost 2 years,” he added. Epigenetics refers to the environmental effects that can influence the expression of shrimp genetics.

Rully Setya Purnama CEO

of Minapoli and the Event Chair of Nusantara Shrimp Farmers Gathering 2024

Jaime Baquerizo, the Production Director of Prima Larvae Indonesia, also emphasized that to achieve sustainable shrimp post-larvae (PL) production, Prima Larvae adheres to four main principles: infrastructure, biosecurity, nutrition management, and genetics. He explained, “Initially, Prima Larvae’s genetic line focused on supporting shrimp growth. However, considering the current farming conditions in Indonesia, where diseases are continuously evolving, we are now also focusing on enhancing the percentage of robustness in our larvae genetics.”

Speakers and participants of Nusantara Shrimp Farmers Gathering 2024

Approach and Disease Prevention

Furthermore, Jaime also reminded farmers that genetics is not the sole determinant of shrimp farming success. Therefore, other equally important factors to consider include stocking density that matches carrying capacity, the use of high-quality and certified SPF shrimp PL, as well as the implementation of good practices and effective production management.

Disease Prevention Strategies

In addition to disease prevention through the genetic aspects, Dr. Chalor Limsuwan, an expert in aquaculture and shrimp diseases from Kasetsart University, Thailand, also outlined strategies for minimizing shrimp diseases through scientific and practical approaches. “Starting from selecting high-quality larvae, implementing nursery programs, ensuring strict and proper biosecurity, and preparing ponds and water to face diseases such as EMS or AHPND, WSSV, and EHP,” he explained. He also elaborated on feed management and water treatment to prevent the spread of diseases and reduce mortality resulting from their outbreaks.

Dr. Loc Tran, Founder and Director of ShrimpVet Laboratory Vietnam, shared his perspective on the current shrimp disease trends. He stated that Vibrio parahaemolyticus is not the primary concern to fear as its presence is already common in various places, known as ubiquitous. Therefore, farmers tend to find it more difficult to avoid its presence. More specifically, he explained that the type of Vibrio carrying plasmids capable of producing PirA and PirB toxins is what needs to be avoided, as it can lead to AHPND in shrimp. Efforts

sease called Translucent Postlarvae Disease (TPD), currently spreading in China and Vietnam, which is more lethal than AHPND. “To prevent this disease, it’s recommended not to use live worms as feed for shrimp broodstock, as they can transmit the disease,” he advised.

Solution-oriented to ensure this involves using PCR, as this information does not appear when using only chrome agar.

Loc Tran also discussed a new di-

About Minapoli

The gathering of shrimp farmers and experienced experts aims to uplift farmers’ optimism and urge stakeholders to prioritize solutions for Indonesia’s issues. This involves considering and implementing solutions from other countries applicable to farmers.

This sentiment aligns with a statement from Haris Muhtadi, Chairman of the Shrimp Club Indonesia (SCI), who said, “This forum is crucial and can offer valuable insights to Indonesian shrimp farmers. Our industry can learn from both the triumphs and setbacks of the Ecuadorian shrimp industry. We shouldn’t simply mimic Ecuador’s methods just because they can produce over 1 million tons per year. Indonesia and Ecuador have many differences,” he concluded.

For further information, please contact: Larasati Puspita Dewi Marketing & Partnership Officer marketing@minapoli.com Mobile: 08111316828

Minapoli is an aquaculture company specializing in marketing and selling equipment for fish and shrimp aquaculture, event organizing, and human resources services. Founded in 2017, Minapoli operates with the tagline “Empowering Aquaculture.”

Latest Updates on US IMPORTED FROZEN SHRIMP INVESTIGATIONS

In a recent announcement on March 26, 2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) revealed its initial findings in the ongoing investigations concerning countervailing duties (CVD) on frozen warmwater shrimp from several countries.

Here’s a summary of the preliminary determinations:

Positive Determinations:

Ecuador

India

Socialist Republic of Vietnam (Vietnam)

Negative Determination:

Indonesia

Commerce has also commenced concurrent investigations into potential antidumping duties (AD) on shrimp imports from Ecuador and Indonesia.

Preliminary Subsidy Rates:

Ecuador

India

Régis Bador

“My mission is to make your shrimp happy in your ponds, because a happy shrimp will tend to grow better and catch fewer diseases than others.”

Regis Bador, a seasoned professional in the aquaculture industry, was born in Paris and recently celebrated his 65th birthday in March. He earned his Engineering degree in Agronomy specializing in Aquaculture and Fisheries from Institut Agro Rennes-Angers in 1981, followed by an MBA in Agrifood Business in 1982 from IGIA (ESSEC Group) in France. Since 2001, Regis has been residing in New Caledonia, adding to his diverse experience that includes living in France, Tahiti, Colombia, Mexico, and Madagascar.

The CRUST had the opportunity to greet Mr. Regis Bador, the Founder and CEO of Innov’Aquaculture, and discuss his perspective on the aquaculture industry now and then. Here’s the interview;

What made you decide to go into the Aquaculture industry?

I have always been attracted to tropical countries, willing to contribute to the food industry’s development, acknowledging the lack of feed and food in too many places. I learned that marine resources had great potential but had doubts about fisheries’ capabilities to increase production, so I moved towards aquaculture, especially a “new one”: shrimp farming, for which I foresaw great potential in so many tropical countries.

How long have you been in this industry?

I got my first job in 1983 at IFREMER in Tahiti, where I learned the basics and the most advanced finding, to which I contributed a little as a junior scientist. I learned there how to cultivate my innovative spirit.

What are your career specialties?

What aquatic species have you worked with during your career?

Besides vannamei, monodon, stylirostris, and even schmitti shrimp species, I have also worked with freshwater prawns, sea cucumbers, seahorses for marine aquariums, and a few others.

What aquatic species are you working on now?

Mostly stylirostris, but also some monodon in Australia and vannamei in “the rest of the world”.

Are there any species you would love to work on/see it growing in the aquaculture industry? Why?

I would love to work in integrated systems. Integrating in a loop some fish, shrimp and algae for instance is probably one of the new promising aquaculture systems which will enhance sustainability. It will represent new challenges, especially considering that the cycle duration of each species is probably different from others. I like challenges.

I dedicated 90% of my career to shrimp farming, to every step, from breeder production (not wild caught) to hatcheries, nurseries, farming, harvesting, processing, auditing, marketing, and training all over the world. I am proud to have created so many jobs and trained so many people on the five continents!

A shrimp farm in Tahiti producing at least 20 t per ha per year since 1989

Sampling prawns in an Australian farm

Régis Bador

The

Can you share an exciting or life-changing experience you encountered during your aquaculture career?

In the 90s, I was looking for a position as a consultant for a large shrimp farmer in Latin America. During the interview, the CEO asked me to summarize, in a single sentence, what my focus would be if I had the job. I answered, “My mission is to make your shrimp happy in your ponds because a happy shrimp will tend to grow better and catch fewer diseases than others.” I instantly got the job!

What do you think about the current shrimp market condition?

Production capability has tremendously increased and improved, especially in Latin America, but marketing capability has not followed, or, worse, increased marketing requirements have not been anticipated.

What will happen to the aquaculture industry in the next five years?

As often, during such a crisis, with prices lower than production cost in too many cases in an industry, big players will probably become bigger and more important in the production. They have the financial capabilities to keep going forward. Smaller, especially medium-sized farmers, may have to close, sell, or even abandon their farms. On the other hand, players’ profiles will hopefully evolve significantly as is doing the new generation, especially in Indonesia, who has a widely open mind and wants to keep developing the industry differently, accepting new technologies and possibly new business models. It is an exciting period.

Do you have any suggestions for surviving in the shrimp industry?

The current shrimp industry will do more than survive. It will keep growing and improving several aspects: accepting the integration of new technologies but also accepting acting and reacting as a community, not as an independent and isolated actor in the global environment of an aquaculture facility. The industry has grown so much that it has reached a level of concentration which is becoming less and less sustainable. At least at

the local, regional, or even national level, farmers must work together to “protect” each other as part of the same community having a lot of similar and linked interests, rather than consider each other as competitors.

Are there any potential export markets that are currently being underdeveloped? Which region and why?

As other experts have said in the recent few years, domestic markets in shrimp production countries with numerous populations (India, In-

donesia, and even some Latin American countries) have been badly sub-estimated as a market potential. Sadly, lacking cold storage and transportation organization has been, so far, a significant limiting factor to satisfy the domestic markets properly, in a safe and sustainable way. Now that it is clearly stated, let’s do it!

Is there any exciting new aquaculture technology currently being developed?

Yes, of course. This has been the key trigger of my whole career: finding new technologies to facilitate shrimp farmers’ lives, keeping in mind … that to maintain “happy shrimp”, it is easier when the farmer is a “happy shrimp farmer”! In many cases, well-designed, user-friendly, and reliable smart technologies can contribute to feeling better when in charge of shrimp farming activities and businesses. As a matter of fact, I stopped being a shrimp farmer in 2011 because I wanted to sleep better at night and have free-spirit holidays. Innov’Aquaculture has contributed to facilitate shrimp farm management. The most disruptive new technology, which I identified and promoted widely, is the passive acoustic technology developed by AQ1 Systems. Since then, artificial intelligence, analyzing high-quality data generated by high-quality sensors and other quality devices, has been the new trend to become a happier shrimp farmer, as long as he can trust AI. Now that almost everyone has a smartphone worldwide, technologies incorporating “good AI” can help each farmer, whatever the scale of their farm. This is a new step ahead, thanks to technology. Of course, be cautious and don’t accept whatever suddenly comes out. Let’s use the nice side of AI for aquaculturists and don’t hesitate to ask for advises!

Do you have any suggestions or words of wisdom to share with the new generations of aquaculturists?

Never pretend that you know or have learned everything about shrimp farming. One keeps learning and discovering new elements about shrimp every day. So do I. Keep your mind selectively and wisely open. Learn from both your mistakes and your successes. Don’t keep them for yourself only; one day, you will benefit significantly from a learning experience shared by another aquaculturist.

Are there any other comments you would like to add?

I hope that my answers will convince many other aquaculturists to attend my talk at SAC 2024 in Bali.

Photo source : doc. Régis Bador, The CRUST

The CRUST

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The CRUST

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The CRUST Regis

Now what is ketupat? For those unfamiliar with it, ketupat is a type of dumpling made from rice that is commonly found in several countries in Southeast Asia, particularly during festive occasions such as Eid alFitr (Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan) and other cultural celebrations. The rice is wrapped in a woven palm leaf pouch, giving it a distinctive diamond-shaped appearance.

The history of ketupat dates back centuries and is closely intertwined with the culture and traditions of the Malay and Indonesian archipelago. The origins of ketupat are believed to be rooted in the agricultural practices of the region, where rice was a staple crop. One prevalent theory suggests that ketupat was originally developed as a way to preserve and transport cooked rice for travelers and traders during long journeys. The process of wrapping the rice in palm leaves and boiling it not only helped to preserve the rice but also made it convenient to carry and consume.

Over time, ketupat became more than just a practical food item; it evolved into a symbol of community, unity, and shared cultural identity. It became closely associated with important cultural and religious celebrations, such as Eid al-Fitr (known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Malaysia and Indonesia), where it is traditionally served as part of the festive feast. Additionally, ketupat is also associated with agricultural festivals and harvest celebrations, where it symbolizes gratitude for a bountiful harvest and prosperity for the community.

Throughout the centuries, ketupat has become deeply ingrained in the culinary heritage of Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, and other parts of Southeast Asia. It continues to be an essential part of various cultural and religious festivities, cherished for its symbolic

significance and delicious taste.

Ketupat is typically served with various dishes, such as rendang or chicken curry. Another accompanying dish for this particular staple is the sayur lodeh and and some sambal. These are just a few examples, but there are many other dishes that ketupat can be enjoyed with, depending on regional preferences and personal tastes. Ultimately, ketupat’s versatility allows it to complement a wide range of dishes, making it a beloved part of many Southeast Asian meals.

Now some people would say that ketupat is just like lontong. Though they use the same main ingredient which is rice, the do have some key differences. First, the ketupat uses woven palm leaf pouch instead of the banana leaf commonly used with lontong. Second, the ketupat has a distinct diamond shape instead of the usual cylinder. Three, the ketupat usually has a more dense and compact texture due to the tight packing of rice. While both ketupat and lontong are made from rice and are commonly enjoyed in Southeast Asian cuisines, their differences in preparation, appearance, and texture contribute to their unique culinary roles and flavors in various dishes.

“Ketupat”

THE CRUST - RIZKY

Denny Leonardo

Shrimp is love

Shrimp is life

Rizky Darmawan

The more I know, the more I realize how little I understand. So stay humble and keep on learning.

Gemilang Lim

My secret to joy in life is in finding balance. Balance in family, sweating, and making decisions.

In WeCrust Trust